Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a gusting crosswind which, resulted in a hard landing and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the retractable landing gear airplane reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a wind gust, which had a “shearing effect.” The airplane subsequently stalled and landed hard. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane veered to the right and exited the runway, where it collided with rocks. The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident the wind was from 260° and variable between 12 to 17 knots. The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 17. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.